Advice on some L/Ts - take a look at this

that is for the steering shaft, its normal

Yes, that is standard on some.

Edit: Corrected^

they are supposed to be like that... all the BBK's look like they are hosed but they work fine... mine looked even worse than that one but is fine.

and yes its to clear the steering shaft...

If you have the stock manifolds they wont bolt up. you would have to go with a different mid pipe. If you want to keep your X pipe, go with a VRS. If you want an H pipe you can get one by BBK. They aren't terrible to install, it just takes some patience to gain access to all the nuts attaching the header to the head. Get yourself a ratcheting stubby 13mm, it will help you out tremendously. The performance is going to be nearly identical.

Id say no more than 300. I bought mine new (the guy ordered 2v headers for his 4v) off ebay for 330 a couple years ago for my old mustang. Anymore than that I would just look for the best deal online and get them new. Keep in mind the best gaskets to use are the OEM Fords, which are 100 a set.... so factor that in your budget as well.